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Hannibal Buress to Host 19th Annual Webby Awards

The event, which honors achievements in Internet culture, will take place at Cipriani Wall Street on May 18.

Hannibal Buress is bringing his comedic talents to the 19th annual Webby Awards on May 18.

In his first time hosting the award show, which honors achievements in Internet culture, Buress will be in charge of opening the event and enforcing its five-word acceptance speech rule, a trademark of the Webby Awards.

"The Internet is a huge fan of Hannibal's — he isn't someone who just gets Internet culture — he is literally helping to shape it every day," said Webby Awards executive director David-Michel Davies. "We are excited to have him bring his funny and brilliant corner of the Web to life at this year's show."

Buress is a stand-up comic and writer whose star has risen through roles as co-host of Adult Swim's The Eric Andre Show and in Comedy Central's Broad City. This summer he will star in weekly TV series Why? With Hannibal Buress on Comedy Central.

The Webby Awards began in 1996 to honor excellence in digital categories and has been held in New York every year since 2005. Past hosts include Rob Corddry, Seth Meyers, Lisa Kudrow and Patton Oswalt. This year, the event received nearly 13,000 entries from more than 60 countries. Nominees will be announced April 7.

The Webby Awards will take place on May 18 at Cipriani Wall Street. A stream will be available on demand via the Webby Awards website the following day, on May 19.